Card, in particular chip card, reading device

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a card ( 7 ) reading device ( 1 ) comprising a housing ( 10 ) equipped with a keyboard ( 5 ), a display unit ( 4 ), a slot ( 8 ) for inserting a card ( 7 ) into the housing ( 10 ) and a cover ( 2 ) adapted to be pivoted between an open and closed position for protecting the keyboard ( 5 ) and the display unit ( 4 ), when in the closed position. The cover ( 2 ) includes an integral flap ( 6 ) and is attached to the housing ( 10 ) by an articulating element ( 3 ) that allows it to pivot between the closed position and open position and be brought into position underneath the housing ( 10 ) in the open position. The flap ( 6 ), which covers the insertion slot ( 8 ) when the cover ( 2 ) is closed, serves as a support base when in the open position to incline the housing ( 10 ) when the reading device is placed on a support surface such as desk or table.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a card reading device, particularly achip card reader.

Within the scope of the invention, the term “card” should be understoodin its most general sense: magnetic stripe card, “smart” card, “chip”card, etc. It should also be understood that the term “card reader” isgeneric: it relates to any device that can read and/or write onto cardsof the aforementioned types.

Likewise, the applications of these cards are quite diverse: banking orsimilar applications, electronic purses, security badges, etc. InFrance, in particular, it is customary to provide all those eligible forsocial security with a short- or intermediate-term “chip” card storing acertain amount of information of a medical and/or administrative nature.

2. Description of Related Art

For about twenty years or so, these various types of cards, particularlythe cards equipped with an “electronic chip,” i.e., with a controller ormicroprocessor associated with storage circuits, have been widely used,and they play an increasingly large part in the daily lives ofindividuals.

International standards govern the various parameters associated withthe cards: dimensions, location of the magnetic stripe, location of the“chip” and location of the input-output interfaces (connections).Meanwhile, the computing power of the electronic circuits as well as thequantity of information stored have sharply increased.

The input-output connections allow two-way transmissions between thecard and various types of card readers, whether they be card readersassociated with stationary devices (cash dispensers, automated tellermachines (ATMs) ATMs, devices incorporated into an electronic cashregister or a microcomputer, etc.) or portable, point-of-sale terminalssuch as a payment terminal (restaurants, various stores) or a medicalterminal.

All these devices have at least one characteristic in common, i.e., aninsertion slot or aperture into which the card is inserted for purposesof a write and/or read operation. This slot opens directly to theexternal environment and is large enough to allow the penetration intothe housing of the card reader of small metal objects such as paperclips, or more simply, particles or dust. The entry of such elements iseven easier, and thus more frequent, when the card reader is a portableterminal capable of being moved to various places that are, a priori,unprotected.

A card reader comprises electronic circuits and mechanical elements thatare extremely miniaturized. The objects or polluting particles that maypenetrate the card reader insertion slot are therefore capable ofcreating malfunctions, or even damaging some of these elements orcircuits.

The devices of the above-mentioned type, especially the portabledevices, or at least the portable devices, have other drawbacks.

First of all, the general ergonomics of these devices are not optimal.In particular, card readers of the type that can be placed in the pocketof a garment must be as thin as possible and are generally in the shapeof a rectangular parallelipiped. When they are placed on a table, it isrelatively difficult to insert the card into the slot, and the access tothe keys of the keyboard is not optimal, either.

Secondly, it often happens that the user forgets to remove his cardafter use, particularly after he has entered his confidential code bymeans of the keyboard. The card can remain inside the card readerwithout the card holder's noticing it, especially if the card reader isequipped with a cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a card reader, particularly ofa chip card, that eliminates the defects of the devices of the priorart, some of which have just been mentioned.

To this end, the card reader according to the invention, which includesa cover for protecting the keys of the keyboard and its display unit, isequipped with a flap integral with the cover that covers the insertionaperture when the device is not in use, which prevents the entry ofundesirable elements into the device, even if the device is moved into apolluted environment.

In a preferred variant of the invention, the card reader is providedwith a configuration such that it can be presented to a user so as to beinclined, which facilitates its handling and, in particular, the entryof a confidential code.

In another preferred variant of embodiment, arrangements are provided sothat the flap cannot be in the closed position as long as the card ispresent in the device, which prevents the device from being closedwithout removing the card.

Hence, the subject of the invention is a card reading device,particularly for a chip card, comprising a housing equipped with dataentry and display means, with a slot for inserting said card into thehousing and with a cover protecting these data entry and display means,in a so-called closed position, characterized in that it comprises aflap integral with said cover and disposed so that it covers saidinsertion slot when the cover is in said closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood, and other characteristics andadvantages will emerge with the reading of the following description inreference to the attached figures, in which:

FIG. 1 represents, in a top view, an exemplary embodiment of a cardreader according to the invention, in the closed position;

FIG. 2 represents, in perspective and in a three-quarter top view, thissame card reader in a semi-open position;

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the card reader, in the open position, aswell as a chip card in the process of being inserted;

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the card reader of FIG. 1, in the closedposition;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the card reader, in the open position, placedon a flat surface;

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate, in perspective and seen from the rear, avariant of embodiment of the card reader according to the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an operational detail of the card readeraccording to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

An exemplary embodiment of a card reader according to the invention willnow be described in connection with FIGS. 1 through 5.

FIG. 1 illustrates the card reader 1 in the closed position (top view),and FIG. 2 (three-quarter top view in perspective) illustrates this samecard reader in a position that will be called semi-open. In effect, thehousing 10 of the card reader is equipped with a protective lid or cover2. The latter is attached to the housing 10 by means of a hinge joint 3disposed along one of the walls of this housing 10. More precisely, thisjoint comprises a double hinge, 30 and 31, whose operation and functionwill be described in detail below.

A card reader normally comprises a display unit 4, most often a liquidcrystal display, and a data entry element constituted by a keyboard 5,and keys 50 (alphanumeric keys and function keys). The protective cover2, in the example described, completely covers the keyboard 5 and thedisplay unit 4 when it is in the closed position.

As has been indicated, the joint 3 comprises two hinges: a first hinge30 that mechanically couples the housing 10 to a first edge of anintermediate piece 32, and a second hinge that mechanically couples asecond edge of this intermediate piece 32 to the protective cover 2.

The intermediate piece 32 has the shape of a rectangular parallelipipedwhose width is equal to half the width of the wall (the right wall inFIG. 2) of the housing 10 to which it is attached via the hinge 30. Thehinge 30 is attached to the housing 10 along an axis Δ1, parallel to theside edge of the housing 10 and located at mid-height of the attachingwall.

These arrangements allow a rotation of the intermediate 3 piece 32around the axis Δ1, and a rotation of the protective cover around asecond axis Δ2, parallel to the first one. It follows that theprotective cover 2 can be folded under the housing 10 of the card reader1, in the fully open position. A latch (not represented) holds the cover2 in the closed position (FIG. 1).

For example, the cover 2 can be made of rigid plastic. The intermediatestrip 32 is advantageously made of a rigid material, for example also ofplastic.

According to a first variant of embodiment (not illustrated), the cover2 is mechanically coupled to the housing 10 by an articulated elementconsisting of a strip of plastic comprising weakened areas (grooves, forexample) that make it possible to fold it in these areas. This striptherefore fulfills the function of the double hinge 3 described aboveand allows the cover 2 to be folded down and folded back underneath thehousing 10, as above.

According to a second variant of embodiment (not illustrated), thedouble hinge 3 is replaced by an articulated element consisting of asimple strip of flexible material. In this case, this strip alsofulfills the function of the double hinge 3 described above, and allowsthe cover 2 to be folded down and folded back underneath the housing 10,as above.

According to a first important characteristic of the invention, the cardreader 1 is equipped with a movable mask or flap 6 with a flatconfiguration. The shape of the flap 6 may be seen in FIG. 2. The cover2 is also essentially flat. The planes formed by the cover 2 and theflap 6 are approximately perpendicular to one another.

FIG. 3 represents (rear view in perspective) the card reader 1, in thefully open position. Also represented in FIG. 3 are a card 7 comprisinga chip 70, of a conventional model, that can be used within the scope ofthe invention. Also seen in this FIG. 3 is an aperture or slot 8 forinserting the card 7 into the housing 10 in order to be read and/orwritten on.

To facilitate the above-mentioned insertion, the housing 10 can beextended at the back by a lower plate 11, which serves as a guide duringthis insertion operation and supports the card 7 once inserted.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the card reader, but with theprotective cover 2 completely closed. In this position, it covers andprotects the keyboard and the display unit 4. It will also be notedthat, according to an important characteristic of the invention, theflap entirely covers the slot 8 and as a result, prevents anyintroduction of a objects and miscellaneous particles.

A priori, the flap 6 is made of a rigid material such as a plastic, butcan also be made of a flexible material such as rubber that adapts tothe exact shape of the wall comprising the insertion slot 8.

Other advantageous characteristics of the invention will now bedescribed.

First, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, as a result of theparticular arrangements adopted for the hinge system, or the articulatedelement that fulfills its function in the additional embodiments, theprotective cover 2 can be folded all the way under the housing 10. Itfollows, as seen in FIG. 3 but even more clearly in FIG. 5 (side view),that since the flap 6 is integral with the cover 2, it accompanies itsmovement when the latter is completely opened. It also ends up under thehousing 10, and as a result, it doubles the thickness of the housing 10of the card reader 1 at the level of the reading slot 8. If the cardreader 1 is placed on a flat surface (the practitioner's desk B, forexample), it serves as a support base at the level of the slot 8. Thehousing 10 of the card reader 1 rests so as to be inclined (angle α onthe order of 15 to 20 degrees with the plane of the desk B), whichfacilitates the insertion of the card 7 into the slot 8 (at the back inthe example described) and the access to the keyboard 5 (for example sothat the patient can enter his confidential code). It also providesbetter perceptibility of the display of the data (improved angle ofincidence).

Secondly, when the card 7 is present in the slot 8, it becomesimpossible to close the cover 2. In fact, in a preferred embodiment, thedepth of the insertion slot 8 is smaller than the maximum length of thechip card 7. It follows that the card 7 projects outward from thehousing 10, even though it is inserted normally into the reading slot 8,which does not interfere with the normal read and/or write operations.For example, the length of the projection is about 2 cm. In the presenceof the chip card 7, the user of the card reader 1 cannot close the cardreader 1, since the cover comes to rest against the card 7. It musttherefore of necessity be removed in order to be returned to its holder.

In the variants that have just been described, the double hinge 3, orthe element that fulfills its function, are disposed on the right orleft side of the housing 10. This disposition allows one drawback toremain, as illustrated schematically by FIG. 8. In effect, when thecover 2 is closed, if the card 7 is still inserted in the slot 8, thecover 2 exerts a shearing force on its edge 71, since it acts like ablade.

In an additional variant illustrated by FIGS. 6 and 7, instead ofdisposing the double-hinge joint on the long side of the housing of thecard reader, it is located on what is referred to as the “front” of thehousing 10, i.e., on one of the short sides.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, the card reader is referenced 1′ and the double-hingejoint 3′. The elements common to the preceding figures have the samereferences and will be described again only as necessary.

This disposition is advantageous because, if the double-hinge joint 3′is located on the front of the housing 10, when attempting to close theflap 6 while the card 7 is present, (as shown more particularly in FIG.6) in the reading slot 8, the flap 6 butts against the entire width ofthe card 7. It follows that it cannot break it, even if forced.

Finally, the housing 10 can advantageously be equipped with a switch ora similar element 9, operated by the flap 6. This switch 9 is disposedon the wall equipped with the slot 8 for inserting the card 7 and cutsoff the electric power supply of the electronic circuits present in thehousing 10 (not represented) when the flap 6 is in the fully closedposition, and automatically re-establishes this supply when the cover 2is opened, and hence when the flap 6 is moved away.

Naturally, this advantageous switch disposition is compatible with thefirst embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 1 through 6, eventhough the switch 9 has not been explicitly represented in thesefigures.

Finally, for certain applications, it is not necessary to return thecard 7 to its holder after use, and it can remain in the reading slot 8without any drawbacks. For this type of application, it may on thecontrary be advantageous to keep it in the reading slot 8. To this end,a slot 8 is provided that is deep enough to completely “swallow” thecard 7. In other words, the length of the slot 8 must be at least equalto the maximum length of the card 7. Thus, the latter remains protectedinside the reading slot 8. In fact, it is held inside by the flap 6 whenthe cover 2 is closed, so that the housing 10 serves as a protectivecase.

With the reading of the above, it is easy to see that the inventionclearly achieves the objects set forth.

The presence of the flap, when the card reader is not in service and thecover is closed, prevents any entry of undesirable elements,particularly small metal objects such as paper clips, or even dust andmiscellaneous particles, and more generally any element that isdangerous to its proper functioning.

Furthermore, because of the “support base” function fulfilled by theflap when the cover is completely open, it allows for better ergonomics,since the housing is in an inclined position.

Finally, according to a first variant, the flap makes it impossible toleave the card inside the housing when the cover is closed, orconversely, in a second variant, when the reading slot is deep enoughfor the card to be fully inserted into the housing, the flap preventsthe intrusion of elements that are dangerous to the card (especially toits chip), and together with the housing, contributes to forming aprotective case for this card.

It should be clear, however, that the invention is not limited to onlythe exemplary embodiments explicitly described, specifically in relationto FIGS. 1 through 8.

The materials that can be used are essentially tied to the specificapplication intended and are determined by a simple technological choicewithin the capability of one skilled in the art.

Likewise, the terms “under,” “top,” “front,” “sides,” or “back” relativeto the housing are purely arbitrary. Lastly, the slot for inserting thecard can be placed not only at the back as has been described, but onany lateral wall. The flap need only be positioned relative to the coverso that this slot is obstructed when the cover is closed.

Nor is the invention limited to applications using chip cards. On thecontrary, the card can be of any type whatsoever: magnetic card, mixedcard (chip and magnetic stripe), piezoelectric card, etc.

Moreover, the card reader can be applied to the following additionalfunctions: calculator, electronic calendar, etc., accessible via thekeys of the keyboard and the display unit.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forthherein, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changesmay be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas set forth herein and defined in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A card reading device comprising: a housingincluding several walls; a first wall of the several walls having a dataentry keyboard and a display; a second wall of the several walls havinga slot arranged for receiving a card therein; a one-piece cover beingaffixed to the housing and disposed such that the cover is positionablebetween a closed position and an open position, the cover protecting thedata entry keyboard and the display when in the closed position; and aflap integral with the cover and disposed such that when the cover is inthe closed position the flap conceals the slot and when the cover is inthe open position the cover provides a support for the housing tosupport the housing at an angle relative to a support surface.
 2. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a third wall andthe cover folds under the wall of the housing when in the open position,such that the flap provides a support base for the housing at the levelof the slot.
 3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the slot has adepth smaller than the maximum length of a card to be inserted in theslot, so that the cover cannot be positioned in the closed position aslong as the card remains in the slot.
 4. A device according to claim 2,wherein the slot has a depth at least equal to the maximum length of acard to be inserted therein, so that presence of the card in the slotdoes not prevent the closing of the cover and so that the housingprovides a protective case for the inserted card when the cover is inthe closed position.
 5. A device according to claim 2, wherein thehousing further includes a plate extending from the second wall forguiding a card during insertion of the card into the slot.
 6. A deviceaccording to claim 2, further comprising: electronic circuits disposedwithin the housing; and a switch on the second wall of the housing,wherein the switch is disposed so as to be actuated by the flap when ina predetermined position to control application of electric power forthe electronic circuits.
 7. A device according to claim 1, wherein theflap and the cover are substantially flat and are disposed in planesthat are approximately perpendicular to one another.
 8. A deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the cover is mechanically coupled to thehousing by an articulated element configured to allow the cover to abutthe housing in the closed position and to fold under a third wall of thehousing in the open position.
 9. A device according to claim 8, wherein:the articulated element generally is a rectangular parallelepiped of apredetermined width having a first hinge on a first edge of thearticulated element and a second hinge on a second edge of thearticulated element, the second edge being substantially parallel to thefirst edge; the first hinge mechanically couples the articulated elementto the housing; and the second hinge couples the cover to thearticulated element.
 10. A device according to claim 8, wherein the slothas a depth smaller than the maximum length of a card to be insertedtherein, so that the cover cannot be positioned in the closed positionas long as the card remains in the slot.
 11. A device according to claim8, wherein the slot has a depth at least equal to the maximum length ofa card to be inserted therein, so that presence of the card in the slotdoes not prevent the closing of the cover and so that the housingprovides a protective case for the inserted card when the cover is inthe closed position.
 12. A device according to claim 8, furthercomprising: electronic circuits disposed within the housing; and aswitch on the second wall of the housing, wherein the switch is disposedso as to be actuated by the flap when in a predetermined position to cutoff or re-establish an electric power supply for the electroniccircuits.
 13. A device according to claim 1, wherein the cover ismechanically coupled to the housing by an articulated element configuredto allow the cover to cover the housing in the closed position and tofold under a third wall of the housing in the open position.
 14. Adevice according to claim 13, wherein: the articulated element isgenerally a rectangular parallelepiped of a predetermined width having afirst hinge on a first edge of the articulated element and a secondhinge on a second edge of the articulated element, the second edge beingsubstantially parallel to the first edge.
 15. A device according toclaim 14, wherein: the first hinge mechanically couples the articulatedelement to the housing; and the second hinge couples the cover to thearticulated element.
 16. A device according to claim 15, wherein: thehousing is a rectangular parallelepiped wherein the third wall isopposite the first wall, and further including a fourth wall, the fourthwall being perpendicular to and joining the first and third walls; thearticulated element is a strip of rigid material having a widthsubstantially equal to half of a distance between the first and thirdwalls; the first hinge is attached to the fourth wall in a middle regionthereof, so that the cover folds under the third wall of the housing,when the cover is in the open position.
 17. A device according to claim14, wherein: the housing is generally a rectangular parallelepipedwherein the third wall is opposite the first wall and further includinga fourth wall, the fourth wall being perpendicular to and joining thefirst and third walls; the articulated element is a strip of rigidmaterial having a width substantially equal to half of a distancebetween the first and third walls; and the first hinge is attached tothe fourth wall in a middle region thereof, so that the folds under thethird wall of the housing, when the cover is in the open position.
 18. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein the slot has a depth smaller thanthe maximum length of a card to be inserted therein, so that the flap isobstructed and the cover cannot be positioned in the closed position aslong as the card remains in the slot.
 19. A device according to claim 1,wherein the slot has a depth at least equal to the maximum length of acard to be inserted therein, so that presence of the card in the slotdoes not prevent the closing of the cover and so that the housingprovides a protective case for the inserted card when the cover is inthe closed position.
 20. A device according to claim 1, wherein thehousing further includes a plate extending from the second wall forguiding a card during insertion of the card into the slot.
 21. A deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising: electronic circuits disposedwithin the housing; and a switch on the second wall of the housing,wherein the switch is disposed so as to be actuated by the flap when ina predetermined position to control application of electric power forthe electronic circuits.